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The newest version of the flagship Fenix adventure watch brings a potentially lifesaving capability: no-phone communication and SOS messaging using 4G LTE or satellite links.

This Fenix 8 Pro upgrades the previously impressive Fenix 8 by incorporating new cellular tech, along with an available state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. This is the brand's premier device and engineered to be the single tool needed to explore almost anywhere and track every activity.

That positions it as an extremely expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm edition with microLED screen – nearly twice the cost of the standard Fenix 8.

Users get a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class fitness, movement and outdoor monitoring. Its complete offline mapping of the globe can seamlessly guide you back to the trail if you lose your way without a phone, and look great on the sizable, sharp and high-luminance display.

This Fenix 8 Pro is only offered in 47mm or 51mm case dimensions, omitting the smaller 43mm size found in other models, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. But the 47mm OLED model as reviewed boasts an extra day of smartwatch battery life even with the display always active, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charging.

No-Phone Texting, Calls and Live Tracking

The company uses its own inReach LTE (4G) and orbital subscription service rather than depending on a watch plan linked to your mobile carrier, as with other smartwatches. However unlike competing satellite-capable devices, SOS communication is not included for free.

Instead, plans begin from £7.99 or equivalent a month, which provides unlimited LTE text and audio messages, call functionality and LiveTrack position sharing – so your contacts or loved ones can monitor you while out running, cycling or similar activities – along with SOS satellite SOS messaging.

Check-ins and texts over satellite are then billed additionally, with more expensive plans offering various allowances of orbital usage, climbing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch includes a 30-day free trial so you can evaluate the service.

After you have got it set up, you simply head out outside without your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You can not use it for playing music or similar activities, but you can make and take calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your relatives and companions.

Whenever you text someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary number, which they can respond to directly to your watch. If they install the Garmin Messenger app, you can then communicate back and forth using text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact does not need a Garmin account to use the Messenger app, only a mobile number is enough to register for texts.

Texting on the watch functions fine but typing out texts on the small on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of personalizable canned responses you can use to speed things up. Voice recordings and calls work acceptably, though as with most smartwatches, you’re unlikely going to want to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is less than fantastic.

LiveTrack is the handiest function. You can configure to on its own transmit a URL to chosen contacts whenever you start an exercise, so they can track your real time location on a map. It’s great for monitoring race progress, but it primarily serves as a tool for someone you rely on to know your location in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, although the actual position has sometimes lagged when moving in and out of good LTE signal.

All of these features are available on other Garmin watches if you bring your phone with you, but in areas where LTE lacks coverage, the satellite activates on the Fenix 8 Pro to transmit texts, position updates and SOS SOS.

A guide displays you how to find the line of sight to the orbital system, which then sends and receives messages within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, though it is essential to note that orbital coverage is restricted to the US mainland, most of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for regions of Scandinavia north of 65 degrees latitude.

Sustainability

The watch is typically serviceable with services offered via the customer service site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial power after two years of regular charging. The watch does not contain any recycled components. Garmin offers recycling programs on recent purchases.

Price

This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The additional Garmin inReach service packages cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

This Fenix 8 Pro builds on a excellent outdoor watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for texting, calls and LiveTrack – plus satellite messaging, location update and emergency SOS for when you’re without coverage.

The result is an even more remarkable outdoor device for those that want to be phone-free. If you want to have someone monitor you from afar while exercising after dark or in the remote areas, the Garmin does so without requiring additional gear.

It is very freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that functionality carries quite a cost, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach plan to provide the features. Fortunately it is not reliant on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.

This Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who hates being weighed down by their phone when running, biking or trekking, but still wants to be locatable and contactable. For other users, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 already exists.

Pros: LTE and satellite messaging, high-luminance OLED screen, tracks all activities with premier GPS, built-in flashlight, phone and standalone voice control, 8+ day battery life, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and navigation, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre underwater use, buttons and touchscreen.

Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital functions require ongoing payment, limited Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are slow, limited smartwatch features versus Apple/Google/Samsung watches.